Multi-Function Wire Stripping Hand Tool and Kit and Method For Using Same

ABSTRACT

A multi-function wire stripping hand tool generally for electricians that has a wire stripping system for a controlled cut and strip of the insulation from a wire. The tool includes an elongated body member having a longitudinal cavity and a transverse opening therein which communicates with the longitudinal cavity and one end of the body member. A stationary cutting blade is disposed in the inner end of the longitudinal cavity, and a movable cutting blade is movably mounted within an upper end of the longitudinal cavity. A spring is disposed between and engaged with a push button actuator so as to urge the movable blade to an open and retracted position. The wire stripping system is engaged with a handle region of the hand tool, and permits stripping in a direction that is perpendicular a longitudinal axis of the multi-function hand tool. The wire stripping system may be used from either side of the hand tool, and may be provided with a plurality of first and second operably engaged housings for securing a number of tool bit members.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application relates to and claims priority from U.S. Prov. Ser. No.61/972,757 filed Mar. 31, 2014, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIGURE SELECTED FOR PUBLICATION

FIG. 4

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to hand tools and moreparticularly a device for stripping the insulation cover from aninsulated wire such as those normally employed for transmittingelectrical energy in a building with an improved ergonomic function.More particularly, the present invention relates to an electricalinstaller hand tool having a convenient and easy to use wire strippingmechanism for stripping an insulation layer from a wire during use ofthe hand tool that provides for an improved stripping-motion by a userand results in reduced hand and forearm stress and correspondingly toreduced risk of long term injury through repetitive use created bycommon wire stripping systems.

2. Description of the Related Art

Electricians, among others, typically require a number of tools forassisting in the various operations they normally conduct in theordinary course of business. One of the tools normally required by anelectrician is a screwdriver. Also, the electrician normally employssome type of tool, typically a scissor-action type hand tool operablyprovided with two handles and a crossed pivot point, for aiding in theremoval of insulation from an end portion of an insulated wire forenabling the wire to be connected to a terminal post or the like. Anelectrical wire generally comprises an inner core of conductor that issurrounded by an insulation layer. When the electrical wire is joined toother wires or connected to a terminal, the insulation needs to beremoved. The purpose of a wire stripping apparatus is to remove theinsulation from around the core of the wire to expose the core of thewire.

Wire strippers or wire stripping devices are used by electricians andother professionals to separate a short segment of insulation from awire to expose the underlying conducting wire for making connections.For small gauge wires, a wire stripping pliers, utility knife, or otherhand tool may typically be used. For larger gauge wires, where theinsulation layer is typically thicker and more rigid, it is moredifficult to remove with hand tools. Unfortunately, damage may be causedto the underlying conductor when penetrating the insulation layer with amanual cutting tool (such as a wire cutter or knife) due to imprecisecutting depth control. Rather elaborate tools have been previouslyprovided for stripping the insulation from the wire, but these tools canbe relatively expensive and have only the single purpose of removinginsulation. Thus, such tools are burdensome to carry and occupy aconsiderable space area within the tool box or wherever it is carried.Additionally, these tools are commonly such scissor-action types asnoted in FIG. 1. Unfortunately such scissor-action types require a userto pull against the axis of the wire to strip the outer insulation andthis creates a stress on a user's forearm, wrist, hand, and even upperarm. Typically, after much stripping (by a professional installer) asort of wire-strippers-elbow can result from damage to the wrist andelbow muscles, ligaments, and tendons due to the constant outwardlystress. Even worse, should a user flex their wrist (not maintain a rigidwrist aligned with the forearm) then carpal tunnel syndrome can occur.References to such stresses, and the damages to the same, can be founddiscussed in “Finger Force Capability: Measurement and Prediction UsingAnthropometric and Myoelectric Measures”; Angela D. Astin, a thesis,Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Dec. 16, 1999, theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Also, other known wire stripping devices include the type comprising apair of V-shaped cutters that are provided opposite to an insulated wireand blades of the cutters are moved toward the insulated wire to cutinto the insulation from opposite sides without damaging the core, andthe cutters are caused to move in the lengthwise direction of the wireto remove the insulation. According to this type of stripper in whichthe blades are caused to move in the length of the wire, if crosssectional shapes of wire and/or core are not uniform in the lengthwisedirection of wire or if an adhesion between the core and the insulationis strong, it may be difficult to strip the insulation from the wireproperly. Moving the blades cutting into the insulation along thelengthwise direction of the wire may result in damage to the core.

Another type of wire stripping device relates to an assisting tool forwire stripping in which a cut is formed in the insulation by usingheated blades. In stripping the insulation using this tool, a separateprocess is required to pull out the insulation from an end of the wire.It is difficult to pull the insulation if the length of the insulationto be removed is short. It is also difficult to twist strands of thecore by pulling out the insulation to keep the strands together.

Also known as wire stripping (and cutting) tools are wire strippingknives, generally for the stripping of the outer insulation of a wirefrom the core portion. Such a wire stripping knife has blade and handlemembers with the handle member having a forward and rearward portion aswell as a base surface. In such a tool, a stripping mechanism isattached to the handle and has both open and closed orientations. Thestripping mechanism has an inward surface operatively configured toengage the wire to be stripped where the inward surface of the strippingmechanism cooperates with the base surface of the handle such that whenin a closed orientation, either the inward surface or the base surfaceincises the insulation of the wire from the core portion.

Wire strippers or wire stripping tools have been around since the use ofinsulation began. One such tool uses a pivoting handle to operate a pairof jaws. The jaws have a wire cutter and a series of cutters designed tofit around and clamp through the insulation of a specific size wire, butnot cut the wire itself. Retelling to FIGS. 1-3, shown is a typicalprior art wire stripping tool 100. As shown, this tool 100 has a cuttinghead 101, and a pair of handles 102 connected by a pivot assembly 103.The tool 100 is used by opening and closing the handles 102 to activatethe cutting head 101. The cutting head 101 has a pair of jaws which actas a crimper or pliers jaw 105. Below that is a series of upper andlower cutting jaws 106 for stripping the wire 121. These jaws are usedto strip the insulation off wire 121, and each cutting jaw 106 is sizedfor a different wire gauge. At the bottom of the cutting head 101 aretwo holes 120 that can be used for bending wires.

Accordingly, this invention now recognizes that there is a need for awire stripping assembly incorporated into the handle of a screwdriver orother multi-function tool whereby the tool will be effective for itsnormal uses and operations and includes a wire stripping mechanism thatadds very little to the weight and bulkiness of the tool and whichfacilitates easy and effective stripping of the insulation from a wirewhile eliminating damages to a core.

ASPECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to hand tools and more particularly to awire cutting and stripping tool of improved construction. A wirestripping multi-function hand tool is provided generally forelectricians that has a wire stripping system for a hand tool forforming a controlled cut and strip of the insulation from a wire. Thetool includes an elongated body member having a longitudinal cavity anda transverse opening therein which communicates with the longitudinalcavity and one end of the body member. A stationary cutting blade isdisposed in the inner end of the longitudinal cavity, and a movablecutting blade is movably mounted within an upper end of the longitudinalcavity. A spring is disposed between and engaged with a push buttonactuator so as to urge the movable blade to an open and retractedposition. The wire stripping system is engaged with a handle region ofthe hand tool, and permits stripping in a direction that isperpendicular a longitudinal axis of the multi-function hand tool. Thewire stripping system may be used from either side of the hand tool, andmay be provided with a plurality of first and second operably engagedhousings for securing a number of tool bit members.

Preferably, a wire stripping tool and kit therefor is disclosed whichincludes an elongated body member having a longitudinal bore and atransverse opening or bore therein. The transverse opening communicateswith the longitudinal through-bore and one end of the body member. Astationary cutting blade is disposed in the inner end of thelongitudinal cavity, a movable blade longitudinally movably mountedwithin the longitudinal cavity. The movable blade is continuous in anoverlapping relation with the stationary blade, and an actuator in theform of a push button is connected to the movable blade. A spring isdisposed between and engaged with the push button actuator so as to urgethe movable blade to an open and retracted position. Preferably thestationary and movable cutting blades have a curved shape to mirror theshape or configuration of a wire to be stripped, and each has aplurality of sizes of curved cutting members thereon for strippingdifferent gauge or size wires.

When in an open or retracted position, the arced or curved areas of themovable and stationary blades define an opening therebetween which isaligned with the transverse opening or bore. A cavity is defined withina central longitudinal region of the tool for defining a guide regionfor the movable blade. The guide region includes lateral openings theside walls thereof for allowing the wire to pass therethrough when themovable blade is in an open position. The openings in the side walls arepreferably aligned with the transverse bore in the elongated body andthe sharpened edges of the movable and stationary blades. The stationaryblade is preferably securely fixed in position within the cavity andsecured to the inner side walls thereof, and is configured so as to beslightly off set with respect to the movable blade such that whenbrought together the blades meet to cut into the entire circumference ofthe wire sheathing but not the wire core in order to strip the sheathingfrom the wire core.

The wire stripping tool disclosed herein improves on the prior art in anumber of ways. Among other things, it is comfortable, inexpensive ascompared to traditional wire stripping tools, does not require excessiveforce to strip wire, readily adaptable to a user's needs, is simple touse, and is configured for multiple size or gauge wires. The inventionconsists briefly of a multipurpose tool of simple and sturdyconstruction, and which combines in one tool any of a variety of handtools, such as a flat head screw driver, a crossed head screw driver,etc., with a wire cutter/stripper and a wire bending and shaping device.The device of the invention accordingly provides a very useful tool andone which not only saves time but saves material as well. Furthermore,utilizing the invention a single tool is provided which enables one toperform the work of three or four or more conventional tools. Theinvention saves not only time but the expense of providing an assortmentof tools.

A multi-function wire stripping hand tool is provided comprising ahandle having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal cavitytherein, the first end having a transverse bore therethrough; aplurality of tool bit members; a coupling member having a proximate enddisposed in and extending from the first end of the handle, the couplingmember having a distal end for receiving an end of at least one of theplurality of tool bits; and a wire stripping mechanism furthercomprising an actuator longitudinally positioned with respect to thehandle; first and second blade members; a spring member disposed betweenthe actuator and the first end, the spring member for urging the secondblade member to an open position; and a retaining cap member forsecuring the actuator and the spring on the first end; wherein first andsecond blade members are slidably engaged within the cavity uponlongitudinal actuation of the actuator to engage a wire andcircumferentially sever a sheathing on the wire.

Also provided is a multi-function wire stripping tool comprising anelongated handle member having a longitudinal bore in communication witha transverse bore therein, said longitudinal bore communicating with oneend of said handle member; a first cutting blade disposed at an innerend of said longitudinal bore, a second cutting blade longitudinallymounted within said longitudinal bore, said second cutting blade beingpositioned for an overlapping relation to said first cutting blade; andan actuator connected to said second cutting blade with a springdisposed between said actuator and said handle member for urging saidsecond cutting blade to an open position, said first and second bladeseach having curved cutting edges defining an opening therebetweenaligned with said transverse bore when said second blade is in said openposition.

In accordance with the invention, it is also understood that there is akit for providing a multi-function wire stripping hand tool comprising ahand tool having an elongated handle portion and a coupling member; aplurality of tool members; a storage container having a plurality ofcavities for housing said hand tool and said plurality of components;and a wire stripping mechanism comprising an actuator longitudinallypositioned with respect to said handle; first and second blade members;a spring member disposed between said actuator and said first end; and aretaining cap member for securing said actuator and said spring on saidfirst end; wherein said coupling member is configured for removablyreceiving at least one of said plurality of tool members.

A wire stripping system in a multi-function hand tool is also provided,which comprises a wire stripping member operably disposed within a firstend of a handle of a hand tool; said wire stripping member including anactuator longitudinally positioned with respect to said handle, firstand second blade members, a spring member disposed between said actuatorand said first end, and a retaining cap member for securing saidactuator and said spring on said first end; said handle defining a handtool axis; tool bit members, each tool bit member being formed withoppositely disposed tool bit ends; a coupling member having a proximateend and a distal end, said coupling member comprising means forremovably, non-rotatably, holding said coupling member proximate end insaid handle, said coupling member comprises a unitary one-piece firsthousing having oppositely disposed open ends and two unitary one-piecesecond housings having oppositely disposed open ends, each of saidsecond housings being slidably non-rotatably received in the respectiveopposite ends of the first housing, said first tool bit member beingslidably disposed in one second housing end, and said second tool bitmember being slidably disposed in said other second housing end, wherebyeach tool bit is alternatively operably disposed in the distal end ofsaid coupling member.

It is an important aspect of the invention to provide a multi-functionwire stripping hand tool that minimizes stress on the user's handsthereby preventing injuries or general pain to the user's wrist area asis common with the plier-type stripping tools known in the art.

Still another aspect of the invention is to provide a single tool havingthe multi-function character described above in a single hand toolwherein parts which accomplish these results are interrelated and whichcooperate together as single unitary tool.

Another aspect of the invention is to provide a tool of the characterdescribed wherein the handle functions to provide various tool membersand which may be manipulated in a manner to carry out the severaloperations as commonly accomplished with the use of several tools ordevices.

Still another aspect of my invention is to provide a combination tool ofthe character described which has particular utility in electronic workas an electrician's multi-function hand tool. The tool in accordancewith the invention may be employed efficiently to cut/strip electricalwires, twist, bend and shape the wires in the form of a loop, or thelike, and serve as a conventional screw driver, for example.

In another aspect of the present invention, a kit for a multi-functionwire stripping hand tool ideal for electricians is provided comprising ahand tool having an elongated handle portion and a coupling member, aplurality of tool members, and a storage container having a plurality ofcavities for housing said hand tool and said plurality of components,wherein said coupling member is configured for removably receiving atleast one of said plurality of tool members.

It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a wirestripping assembly incorporated into the handle of a multi-function handtool whereby the tool will be effective for any of a multitude of normaluses and operations and whereby the wire stripping device adds verylittle to the weight and bulkiness of the screwdriver.

Another very important aspect of the present invention is to provide awire stripping device having a stationary and movable arced or curvedblades together with an easily accessible actuator or push button memberconnected with the movable blade whereby accurate pressure may beexerted on the movable blade for determining when the movable bladecontacts the metallic wire thus assuring that the wire will not bepartially cut through by the blade. Preferably, the movable blade andstationary blade are configured so as to not allow the blades to fullycut the wire, and rather have a plurality of arches or curved bladeregions for stripping wires of different sizes or gauges.

Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide a wirestripping device disposed longitudinally within the handle of themulti-function hand tool and having outwardly flared openings forguiding the wire into the wire stripping device together with theactuator, where the actuator is spring biased longitudinally to maintainthe movable blade in a retracted and open position when not depressed.Optionally, the actuator has a rounded dome-shape, but may also be flator have bumps or depressions thereon for facilitating operation thereofand without interfering with the normal operation of the multi-functionhand tool.

Still another feature of the present invention is to provide a wirestripping device incorporated into the handle of a multi-function handtool that is simple in construction, easy to use, effective for itsparticular purposes and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent from the following description read inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like referencenumerals designate the same elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A further understanding of the present invention can be obtained byreference to a preferred embodiment set forth in the illustrations ofthe accompanying drawings. Although the illustrated preferred embodimentis merely exemplary of methods, structures and compositions for carryingout the present invention, both the organization and method of theinvention, in general, together with further objectives and advantagesthereof, may be more easily understood by reference to the drawings andthe following description. The drawings are not intended to limit thescope of this invention, which is set forth with particularity in theclaims as appended or as subsequently amended, but merely to clarify andexemplify the invention.

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference isnow made to the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a front plan view of a wire stripping and/or cutting toolpositioned in a hand of a user and with a wire positioned to be strippedand/or cut according to the prior art;

FIG. 2 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the blades of the wirestripping tool of FIG. 1 as they encircle the wire to be stripped inaccordance with the prior art;

FIG. 3 shows a partial side cross-sectional view of the prior art wirestripping tool of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a wire stripping multi-tool inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows partial perspective view of the upper portion of the wirestripping multi-tool of FIG. 4 further showing a partial cut-awayportion of the opening for providing the wire stripping mechanism;

FIG. 6 shows an exploded perspective view of the wire strippingmulti-tool of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 shows a partial exploded view of the upper end components of thewire stripping multi-tool of FIG. 4 in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 shows a side plan view of the upper shearing or cutting memberconfigured as a part of a pushbutton member in accordance with theinvention;

FIG. 9 shows a side plan view of the lower shearing or cutting memberfor engaging with the upper shearing or cutting member to cut and/orshear the insulation from a wire;

FIG. 10A shows a partial side cross-sectional view of the wire strippingmulti-tool of FIG. 4 taken along line 10-10;

FIG. 10B shows an alternative partial side cross-sectional view of thewire stripping multi-tool of FIG. 4 taken along line 10-10 with theremaining elements as noted in FIG. 10A

FIG. 11 shows the partial side cross-sectional view of the wirestripping multi-tool of FIG. 10 (i.e., taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 4)further depicting a wire positioned therein whose insulation is to besheared;

FIG. 12 shows the partial side cross-sectional view of the wirestripping multi-tool of FIG. 10 (i.e., taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 4)further depicting the cutting of the wire positioned therein with aforce F applied to the top of the multi-tool;

FIG. 13 shows a partial cut-away close-up view of the wire insulationbeing engaged by the cutting members as shown in FIG. 12 furtherdepicting the cutting members only cutting into the wire sheath orinsulation and not damage the core wire;

FIG. 14 shows a partial cut-away close-up view of the wire insulationbeing engaged by the cutting members as shown in FIGS. 12-13 furtherdepicting the wire being stripped S as the wire is removed from themulti-tool after the insulation has been cut;

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of a wire stripping multi-tool inaccordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 shows partial perspective view of the upper portion of the wirestripping multi-tool of FIG. 15 further showing a partial cut-awayportion of the opening for providing the wire stripping mechanism;

FIG. 17 shows a partial exploded perspective view of a portion of thewire stripping multi-tool of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 shows a partial side cross-sectional view of the wire strippingmulti-tool of FIG. 15 taken along line 18-18;

FIG. 19 shows partial perspective view of the upper portion of the wirestripping multi-tool of FIG. 15 further showing a partial cut-awayportion of the opening for providing the wire stripping mechanism and awire positioned therein;

FIG. 20 shows a partial side cross-sectional view of the wire strippingmulti-tool of FIG. 19 taken along line 20-20 with the cutting members ina first position;

FIG. 21 shows a partial side cross-sectional view of the wire strippingmulti-tool of FIG. 19 taken along line 20-20 with the cutting members ina second position;

FIG. 22 shows a partial side cross-sectional view of the wire strippingmulti-tool of FIG. 19 taken along line 20-20 with the cutting members ina third position;

FIG. 23 shows a partial side cross-sectional view of the wire strippingmulti-tool of FIG. 19 taken along line 20-20 with the cutting members ina fourth position;

FIG. 24 shows a partial cut-away close-up view of the wire insulationbeing engaged by the cutting members as shown in FIGS. 20-23;

FIG. 25 shows a partial cut-away close-up view of the wire insulationbeing engaged by the cutting members of the multi-tool further depictingthe cutting members only cutting into the wire sheath or insulation andnot damaging the core wire;

FIG. 26 shows a partial perspective view of the wire strippingmulti-tool according to the alternate embodiment of the invention duringa use thereof; and

FIG. 27 shows a partial perspective view of the wire strippingmulti-tool according to the alternate embodiment of the invention aftera use thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As required, a detailed illustrative embodiment of the present inventionis disclosed herein. However, techniques, systems, compositions andoperating structures in accordance with the present invention may beembodied in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, forms and modes, some ofwhich may be quite different from those in the disclosed embodiment.Consequently, the specific structural and functional details disclosedherein are merely representative, yet in that regard, they are deemed toafford the best embodiment for purposes of disclosure and to provide abasis for the claims herein which define the scope of the presentinvention.

Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of theinvention that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whereverpossible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawingsand the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. Thedrawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. Forpurposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms, such astop, bottom, up, down, over, above, below, etc., or motional terms, suchas forward, back, sideways, transverse, etc. may be used with respect tothe drawings. These and similar directional terms should not beconstrued to limit the scope of the invention in any manner.

Referring first to FIGS. 4-14, shown are various views of a preferredembodiment of a wire stripping multi-function hand tool 200 constructedin accordance with the present invention. As depicted more clearly inFIG. 6, the multi-function wire stripping hand tool 200 disclosed hereinincludes an elongated handle 202 and shank or coupling member 210connected thereto at the handle lower end 206 by a connecting member 208for receiving any of a plurality of tool bits 212. Preferably, themulti-function hand tool 200 comprises any number of tool bits 212 suchas a conventional screwdriver blade, a crossed screwdriver head, apointed end, and the like. As such, the tool bit 212 is removablepositionable in the coupling member 210 during use. The other end of thetool 200 comprises a handle 202 of generally cylindrical cross-sectionalarea and optionally having longitudinal ribs thereon for improvedgripping by a user. The particular shape, configuration and size of thetool 200 may vary depending upon the particular size requirement of theindividual using the tool 200.

Turning next to FIGS. 6-9, the multi-function hand tool 200 preferablycomprises a wire stripping device mechanism configured within an upperend of the handle 202 of the tool 200. The handle 202 may be constructedof any suitable material normally employed for hand tool handles such asplastic, wood, metal, or the like. The handle 202 is provided with alongitudinally extending cavity 240 therein, which communicates with alaterally extending opening or bore 224. The laterally extending opening224 extends diametrically through the upper end of the tool handle 202,although it may be positioned in any region along the handle 202. Theopening 224 is preferably sized and shaped so as to accommodate aplurality of differently sized wires and may have outwardly flared endportions so as to provide easier insertion of the wire 226 into thetransverse opening or bore 224 so that it may be engaged by the movablecutting blade 236 and stationary cutting blade 238.

The wire stripping mechanism within the hand tool 200 preferablyincludes movable cutting blade 236 and stationary cutting blade 238positioned longitudinally within cavity 240 so as to be guidedlongitudinally during use. The transverse opening 224 and 225communicates with the longitudinal cavity 240 within the body of thehandle 202. A stationary cutting blade 238 is disposed in the inner endof the cavity 240, while a movable cutting blade 236 is longitudinallymovably mounted with push button actuator 216 at an upper end of thelongitudinal cavity 240. The movable blade 236 is continuous in anoverlapping relation with the stationary blade 238, and an actuator 216in the preferred form of a push button is connected or affixed to themovable blade 236.

Referring to FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 11, spring 234 is disposed between andengaged with an underside 244 of the flange 232 of the push buttonactuator 216 so as to urge the movable blade 236 to an open andretracted position when not in use. An end retaining cap 214 is securedaround actuator 216 to hold the actuator in place on an upper end 228 ofhandle 202. Preferably, retaining cap 214 has inner coupling walls 248that are configured so as to interface with outer coupling walls 242 onthe upper end 228 of handle 202 and interface with outer coupling edges246 of flange 232. Coupling walls 248, 242 and coupling edges 246 areconfigured so as to secure the actuator 216 in position so as to notpermit rotation thereof and maintain movable cutting blade 236 inalignment with stationary blade 238. Preferably the stationary blade 238and movable cutting blade 236 have curved or arced upper and lowercutting edges 252, 254 which mirror a shape or configuration of wire 226to be stripped. Optionally, cutting blades 236, 238 each has a pluralityof arced or curved cutting edges 252, 254 each being sized to matchdifferent gauge or size wires 226. As will be understood from review ofFIG. 10B, alternative blades 236A, 238A may be provided withsimilar-facing arced or curved cutting edges 252A, 254A, understood asshown to be set at an angle about 25-45°, and preferably about 30°,relative to a perpendicular to the tool axis. This is in contrast to theblade-angle arrangement noted in FIG. 10A where the angles are opposed.It will be understood that in FIG. 10B the blades meet upon use so as toprovide a uniform pressure on wire 226 and thus minimize a risk ofover-cutting and penetrating the wire-core of the wire to be strippedand thereby damaging a current-carrying capacity thereof. Otherangle-arrangements and facing or opposing blade arrangements may be usedwithin the skill of those in the art having studied this disclosurewithout departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

When in an open or retracted position (see FIG. 10A), the arced orcurved cutting edges 252, 254 of the movable and stationary blades 236,238 define an opening therebetween which is aligned with the transverseopenings 224, 225. Cavity 240 is defined within a central longitudinalregion of the upper end 228 of the handle 202 of the hand tool 200 anddefines a guide region for the movable blade 236. The guide regionincludes lateral openings the side walls thereof for allowing the wire226 to pass therethrough when the movable blade 236 is in an open andretracted position. The openings in the side walls are preferablyaligned with the transverse openings 224, 225 in the handle 202 and thecurved cutting edges 252, 254 of the movable and stationary blades 236,238. The stationary blade 238 is preferably securely fixed in positionwithin the cavity 240 and secured to the inner side walls thereof so asto not move during use. The stationary cutting blade 238 is configuredand positioned so as to be slightly off set with respect to the movableblade 236 such that when the blades 236, 238 are moved to a closedposition (see FIGS. 11-14) by depressing actuator 216, the blades meetto cut into the entire circumference of the wire sheathing 264 but notcut into the wire core 262 of wire 226 in order to strip a portion ofthe sheathing 264 from the wire core 262.

The size of the transverse openings 224, 225 will generally preclude anypossible danger of insertion of fingers or the like into the areabetween the cutting blades 252, 254. However, an outward taper ofopenings 224, 225 will serve to guide the insulated wire 226 into thearea formed by the movable and stationary cutting members 336, 338 asillustrated in FIGS. 12-14. Then upon depression of the actuator 216 byexerting pressure thereon, the insulation 264 of wire 226 will be cutthrough to the wire core 262 substantially around the circumference ofthe wire 226 thereby enabling the insulation 264 to be stripped from thewire core 262 by exerting longitudinal force on the insulation which isvery easy to accomplish since it is only necessary to move the handle202 longitudinally of the insulated wire after the insulation 264 hasbeen substantially severed. This eliminates the necessity for rotationof the wire stripping device about the longitudinal axis of theinsulated wire, as needed with prior stripping tools, although thiscould be done if required.

Inasmuch as the cavity 240 need not be the same size throughout itslength, the lower portion thereof is only of sufficient size to receivethe stationary cutting blade 238 and it is also within the scope of theinvention herein to have the stationary blade 238 molded into the handle202 if made of plastic although the wire stripping mechanism is alsoadaptable for use with various types of handles. A notch serves toenable movement of the lower recessed end of the actuator 216 duringnormal operation thereof thus further enabling the longitudinal axis ofthe actuator 216 to be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the movablecutting blade 236 thereby effectively transmitting longitudinal force tothe movable cutting blade 236.

Turning next to FIGS. 15-27, shown are various views of an alternateembodiment of a wire stripping multi-function hand tool 300 constructedin accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention. Asdepicted, the wire stripping hand tool 300 according to the alternateembodiment of the invention includes handle 302, connecting element 308,coupling member 310, one or more tool bits 312, end cap member 314,first opening 324, second opening 325 (optional), lower cutting edge318, first and second guide elements 323/321, and cavity 328 within thehandle 302. As seen in the partial perspective view of FIG. 16 showingthe upper portion of the wire stripping multi-tool of FIG. 15 includinga partial cut-away portion of the opening for providing the wirestripping mechanism, the wire 326 to be stripped is inserted intoopening 324 to a desired depth of wire 326 to be stripped. Cap 314 isthen rotated such that guide 323 exerts pressure onto wire 326 therebyurging with pressure an opposite side of wire 326 downward onto cuttingedge or blade 318.

It will be understood that tool bits 312 may include additionalwire-bending openings 312A, 312B having different diameters to receivedifferent gauge wires accordingly (for example gauges 8, 10, 12 etc.)via such through-holes. In use, the outer profile of tool bit 312 isused to form a curve in an exposed wire portion inserted into a selectedwire-bending opening 312 while the hand tool 300 is rotated about itslong axis using the outer surface of bit 312 to guide the curve of thewire tail portion. This aids in forming correctly-shaped wire-tip endsfor use in wiring. It will be understood that tool bit 312 may be usedwith any other hand-tool suggested herein, including hand tool 200, aswell as alternatively scissor-type hand tools, for example in aslide-out or rotate-out orientation from the end of one handle of ascissor-type hand tool.

It will also be understood, that the present device may be modified forcombination with other, alternative hand tools, such as a scissor-actiontype hand tool without departing from the scope and spirit of thepresent invention. For example, a spring-based pressure-wire-strippersimilar to those shown herein may be provided on one of the handles of ascissor-type hand tool or multi-tool. So that, upon such a handle, awire-pulling direction could either be in line with a scissor-handledirection or in a direction generally perpendicular to thescissor-handle direction.

Also in accordance with the present invention, provided is a method forthe stripping of insulation or sheathing from a wire while minimizingthe stress placed upon a user's hand or wrist during use. Preferably, afirst step involves inserting a wire to a desired depth for strippinginto a transverse opening in a side of a handle of a hand tool. Once thedesired depth of wire has been inserted into the opening, the userdepresses a push button actuator at an upper end of the hand tool whichin turn urges a curved or arched blade or cutting member downward uponthe wire to be stripped. As pressure is placed upon the wire, anopposite side of the wire is further forced downward upon a secondcurved or arched blade or cutting edge such that the blades pierce anouter sheathing of the wire but not the wire core. While the actuator isdepressed, the wire may be removed from the opening and because thesheathing has been circumferentially severed, the sheathing becomesseparated from the wire core for the desired depth.

In accordance with the present invention, it is additionally noted thatthe provided disclosure notes that there is a method of using the deviceincluding basic steps of inserting a wire and removing the sheathingtherefrom.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   -   100 wire stripper    -   101 cutter head    -   102 handles    -   103 pivot assembly    -   105 pliers jaw    -   106 cutting jaws    -   120 holes    -   121 wire    -   200 wire stripping multi-function hand tool    -   202 handle    -   206 handle lower end    -   208 connecting element    -   210 coupling member    -   212 tool bit    -   214 retaining cap member    -   216 push button actuator    -   224 first opening    -   225 second opening    -   226 wire    -   228 handle upper end    -   230 first inner opening    -   232 flange    -   233 flange top    -   234 spring    -   236, 236A movable cutting member or blade    -   238, 238A stationary cutting member or blade    -   240 cavity    -   242 outer coupling wall    -   244 flange bottom    -   246 outer coupling edge    -   248 inner coupling wall    -   252, 252A upper cutting edge    -   254, 254S lower cutting edge    -   256 spring retaining cavity or groove    -   260 lip    -   262 wire core    -   264 wire sheath or insulation    -   300 wire stripping multi-function hand tool    -   302 handle    -   306 handle lower end    -   308 connecting element    -   310 coupling member    -   312 tool bit and 312A, 312B tool bit holes    -   314 end cap member    -   315 lower sidewall    -   318 lower cutting edge    -   321 second guide element    -   323 first guide element    -   324 first opening    -   325 second opening    -   326 wire    -   327 wire sheath or insulation    -   328 cavity    -   329 wire core    -   330 protrusion    -   336 upper handle end    -   338 top

In the claims, means or step-plus-function clauses are intended to coverthe structures described or suggested herein as performing the recitedfunction and not only structural equivalents but also equivalentstructures. Thus, for example, although a nail, a screw, and a bolt maynot be structural equivalents in that a nail relies on friction betweena wooden part and a cylindrical surface, a screw's helical surfacepositively engages the wooden part, and a bolt's head and nut compressopposite sides of a wooden part, in the environment of fastening woodenparts, a nail, a screw, and a bolt may be readily understood by thoseskilled in the art as equivalent structures.

Having described at least one of the preferred embodiments of thepresent invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is tobe understood that such embodiments are merely exemplary and that theinvention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that variouschanges, modifications, and adaptations may be effected therein by oneskilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of theinvention as defined in the appended claims. The scope of the invention,therefore, shall be defined solely by the following claims. Further, itwill be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerous changes maybe made in such details without departing from the spirit and theprinciples of the invention. It should be appreciated that the presentinvention is capable of being embodied in other forms without departingfrom its essential characteristics.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multi-function wire stripping hand tool, saidhand tool comprising: a handle having a first end, a second end, and alongitudinal cavity therein, said first end having a transverse boretherethrough; a plurality of tool bit members; a coupling member havinga proximate end disposed in and extending from said first end of saidhandle, said coupling member having a distal end for receiving an end ofat least one of said plurality of tool bits; and a wire strippingmechanism, comprising; an actuator longitudinally positioned withrespect to said handle; first and second blade members; a spring memberdisposed between said actuator and said first end, said spring memberfor urging said second blade member to an open position; and a retainingcap member for securing said actuator and said spring on said first end;wherein first and second blade members are slidably engaged within saidcavity upon actuation of said actuator to engage a wire andcircumferentially sever a sheathing on said wire.
 2. The tool accordingto claim 1, wherein said coupling member removably engages saidplurality of integral tool bit members and comprising a unitaryone-piece first cylindrical housing having oppositely disposed ends. 3.The tool according to claim 1, wherein an exterior wall of said firstend is configured to cooperate with an inner end of said retaining cap.4. The tool according to claim 1, wherein said first cutting memberpress fit into said cavity.
 5. The tool according to claim 1, furthercomprising a spring retaining groove.
 6. The tool according to claim 1,wherein an exterior wall of said first end is threaded to cooperate witha threaded inner wall of said retaining cap member.
 7. The toolaccording to claim 1, wherein: at least one of said tool bit members,comprises: a wire-bending opening for receiving and bending an externalwire during a use.
 8. The tool according to claim 1, wherein: saidhandle further contains at least one wire bending member.
 9. Amulti-function wire stripping tool, said tool comprising: an elongatedhandle member having a longitudinal bore in communication with atransverse bore therein, said longitudinal bore communicating with oneend of said handle member; a first cutting blade disposed at an innerend of said longitudinal bore, a second cutting blade longitudinallymounted within said longitudinal bore, said second cutting blade beingpositioned for an overlapping relation to said first cutting blade; andan actuator connected to said second cutting blade with a springdisposed between said actuator and said handle member for urging saidsecond cutting blade to an open position, said first and second bladeseach having curved cutting edges defining an opening therebetweenaligned with said transverse bore when said second blade is in said openposition.
 10. The tool according to claim 9, wherein said couplingmember removably engages said plurality of integral tool bit members andcomprising a unitary one-piece first cylindrical housing havingoppositely disposed ends.
 11. The tool according to claim 9, wherein anexterior wall of said first end is configured to cooperate with an innerend of said retaining cap.
 12. The tool according to claim 9, whereinsaid first cutting member press fit into said cavity.
 13. The toolaccording to claim 9, further comprising a spring retaining groove. 14.The tool according to claim 9, wherein an exterior wall of said firstend is threaded to cooperate with a threaded inner wall of saidretaining cap member.
 15. The tool according to claim 9, wherein: atleast one of said tool bit members, comprises: a wire-bending openingfor receiving and bending an external wire during a use.
 16. The toolaccording to claim 9, wherein: said handle further contains at least onewire bending member.
 17. A kit for providing a multi-function wirestripping hand tool, said kit comprising: a hand tool having anelongated handle portion and a coupling member; a plurality of toolmembers; a storage container having a plurality of cavities for housingsaid hand tool and said plurality of components; and a wire strippingmechanism, comprising: an actuator longitudinally positioned withrespect to said handle; first and second blade members; a spring memberdisposed between said actuator and said first end; and a retaining capmember for securing said actuator and said spring on said first end;wherein said coupling member is configured for removably receiving atleast one of said plurality of tool members.
 18. The kit according toclaim 17, wherein said tool members are single or double ended tool bitmembers.
 19. The kit according to claim 17, wherein said at least one ofsaid tool members is selected from the group consisting of a flat headscrew driver bit, a crossed head screw driver bit, a hexagonal nut head,a pointed head, and a saw blade.
 20. The tool according to claim 17,wherein: at least one of said tool members, comprises: a wire-bendingopening for receiving and bending an external wire during a use.
 21. Thetool according to claim 17, wherein: said handle portion furthercontains at least one wire bending member.
 22. A wire stripping systemin a multi-function hand tool, said system comprising: a wire strippingmember operably disposed within a first end of a handle of a hand tool;said wire stripping member including an actuator longitudinallypositioned with respect to said handle, first and second blade members,a spring member disposed between said actuator and said first end, and aretaining cap member for securing said actuator and said spring on saidfirst end; said handle defining a hand tool axis; tool bit members, eachtool bit member being formed with oppositely disposed tool bit ends; acoupling member having a proximate end and a distal end, said couplingmember comprising means for removably, non-rotatably, holding saidcoupling member proximate end in said handle, said coupling membercomprises a unitary one-piece first housing having oppositely disposedopen ends and two unitary one-piece second housings having oppositelydisposed open ends, each of said second housings being slidablynon-rotatably received in the respective opposite ends of the firsthousing, said first tool bit member being slidably disposed in onesecond housing end, and said second tool bit member being slidablydisposed in said other second housing end, whereby each tool bit isalternatively operably disposed in the distal end of said couplingmember.
 23. The system according to claim 22, wherein said couplingmember removably engages said plurality of integral tool bit members andcomprising a unitary one-piece first cylindrical housing havingoppositely disposed ends.
 24. The system according to claim 22, whereinan exterior wall of said first end is configured to cooperate with aninner end of said retaining cap.
 25. The system according to claim 22,wherein said first cutting member press fit into said cavity.
 26. Thetool according to claim 22, further comprising a spring retaininggroove.
 27. The tool according to claim 22, wherein: at least one ofsaid tool bit members, comprises: a wire-bending opening for receivingand bending an external wire during a use.
 28. The tool according toclaim 22, wherein: said handle portion further contains at least onewire bending member.
 29. A driving hand tool, said hand tool comprising:a handle having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal cavitytherein, said first end having a transverse bore therethrough; aplurality of tool bit members; a coupling member having a proximate enddisposed in and extending from said first end of said handle, saidcoupling member having a distal end for receiving an end of at least oneof said plurality of tool bits; a wire stripping mechanism, comprising:an actuator longitudinally positioned with respect to said handle; firstand second blade members; a spring member disposed between said actuatorand said first end; and a retaining cap member for securing saidactuator and said spring on said first end; and at least one of saidtool members, further comprising: a wire-bending opening for receivingand bending an external wire during a use.
 31. The tool according toclaim 29, wherein: said handle portion further contains at least onewire bending member.
 32. A driving hand tool, said hand tool comprising:a handle having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal cavitytherein, said first end having a transverse bore therethrough; at leastone tool bit member; a coupling member having a proximate end disposedin and extending from said first end of said handle, said couplingmember having a distal end for receiving an end of said at least onetool bit member; a wire stripping mechanism, comprising: an actuatorlongitudinally positioned with respect to said handle; first and secondbiased blade members; and said at least one tool member, furthercomprises: a wire-bending opening for receiving and bending an externalwire during a use.
 33. The tool according to claim 32, wherein: saidhandle portion further contains at least one wire bending member.